The temptation of salty and sweet foods is difficult to avoid. Especially if we talk about fast foods, that are famous for their savoury taste and can arouse your appetite. Although most of us know the negative effects of these foods, in fact not many of us turn to healthier foods.

However, it looks like you have to consider changing to a better diet. According to the results of a study conducted by The Global Burden of Disease, poor diet is responsible for more deaths worldwide than other factors, including smoking. The conclusion was obtained after the researchers analyzed the global diet, covering 195 countries from 1990 - 2017.

In their analysis, the researchers focused on 15 items, namely fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, legumes, whole grains, fibre, calcium, milk, omega 3 fatty acids derived from seafood, polyunsaturated fat, trans fat, meat, processed meat, sweet drinks and sodium. The researchers found that in 2017, there was a food deficiency such as nuts or seeds, milk and whole grains. Also, the researchers found an increase in the intake of unhealthy foods, such as processed meat and foods with high salt content.

The researchers noted that foods rich in sodium, as well as diets that are low in grains, fruits, nuts, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acid are the most associated factors with death. According to the researchers, these factors are responsible for more than 2% of global deaths.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Getty Images

Source(s):

• Afshin, A., Sur, J.P., Fay, K.A., et al (2019). Health effects of dietary risks in 195 countries, 1990-2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. The Lancet, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(19)30041-8.
• Medical News Today - Poor diet is the biggest risk factor for early deaths worldwide (2019). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324897.php, April 9, 2019.